Pakistan's Energy Sector Gets a Boost with Significant Oil and Gas Discovery

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's leading oil and gas exploration and production company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), has announced a major discovery in the Attock district of eastern Punjab province. The Dhok Sultan-03 well, drilled in collaboration with Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL), has tested the hydrocarbon potential of the Patala and Lockhart formations, yielding significant oil and gas reserves. This discovery marks the second deepest oil discovery in naturally fractured carbonate in the Pothohar region and is expected to make a meaningful contribution to Pakistan's energy mix by adding additional hydrocarbon reserves and saving significant foreign exchange for the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • PPL, in collaboration with GHPL, has discovered significant oil and gas reserves at the Dhok Sultan-03 well in the Attock district of Punjab province.
  • The discovery is the second deepest oil discovery in naturally fractured carbonate in the Pothohar region.
  • The well tested the hydrocarbon potential of the Patala and Lockhart formations, yielding 1,469 barrels per day of oil and 2.56 MMscfd of gas at a Wellhead Flowing Pressure of 1,147 psig.
  • The discovery is a result of rigorous geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering data analyzes and integration that helped in overcoming drilling challenges.
  • The South Asian country is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to advance the energy sector, focusing on indigenization, electrification, and liberalization.
  • The Dhok Sultan-03 discovery is expected to save significant foreign exchange for the country through indigenous hydrocarbon production.
  • PPL Managing Director Imran Abbasy stated that the discovery is a testament to PPL's in-house expertise, perseverance, and commitment to energy security.

Statistics:

  • The Dhok Sultan-03 well was drilled to a depth of 5,815 meters.
  • The well tested 1,469 barrels per day of oil and 2.56 MMscfd of gas at a Wellhead Flowing Pressure of 1,147 psig.
  • At a 48/64' choke, the well yielded 2,113 barrels per day of oil and 4.13 MMscfd of gas at a Wellhead Flowing Pressure of 813 psig.
  • Pakistan imports most of its energy needs, and this discovery is expected to contribute to lessening the costs.
  • The country aims to pursue a multi-pronged strategy to advance the energy sector, focusing on indigenization, electrification, and liberalization.

Sources:

  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited
  • The Express Tribune
  • Mari Energies